When the Denver Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs, they’ll have to worry about Samaje Perine.
Not only have the Chiefs completely dismantled Denver for years, but now the AFC West rivals have a former Broncos back, too.
Perine is just the latest former Broncos player to be signed by new teams.
Samaje Perine signs with Chiefs in 1-year deal
The Denver Broncos have undertaken their youth movement, focusing on the future. And that included keeping rookie, 5th-round pick Audric Estime and undrafted rookie Blake Watson in the backfield instead of veteran Samaje Perine.
Perine was cut, but he didn’t last long on the market. The rival Chiefs signed him to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million.
Kansas City head coach Andy Reid called Samaje Perine, “A great addition” to the team’s backfield. He’ll be one of multiple backups behind Isaiah Pacheco for the Super Bowl champions.
Perine will have his first shot at revenge against the Broncos on Nov. 10 in K.C. Then, Denver hosts the Chiefs to end the regular season on Jan. 5, 2025.
Last year, Perine only rushed for 238 yards and one touchdown, but he was incredibly valuable as a receiver out of the backfield. He racked up 50 receptions for 455 yards, making him third in both categories. Can Javonte Williams and Co. replicate that receiving success? Many are high on Jaleel McLaughlin’s abilities, including receiving.
Justin Simmons lands with Falcons, multiple Broncos find their way to practice squads
Justin Simmons also landed on an active roster. He was the longtime leader and best defensive player in Denver
Simmons will start for the Atlanta Falcons this fall, a team who has a real shot at becoming a playoff team.
The Falcons made many impact signings this offseason, including Simmons. Quarterback Kirk Cousins leads the way, along with Simmons, linebacker Nate Landman, and receiver Darnell Mooney, among others.
With all those newcomers, Atlanta is the easy favorite to win the NFC South.
What about other cut or released Broncos players?
Wide receiver Tim Patrick signed with the Detroit Lions as a member of their practice squad. Patrick has a chance at a Super Bowl run if he gets elevated to the active roster.
Fellow wideout Jalen Virgil landed with the Buffalo Bills on their practice squad, and he’ll also have a good shot at making the playoffs if he gets into games for them. And Brandon Johnson is on the Steelers practice squad, meaning he could have a chance to link up with Russell Wilson. Wilson, the former Broncos starting quarterback, is currently Pittsburgh’s starter. Also, linebacker Thomas Incoom inked a deal with the Panthers practice squad.
Speaking of the practice squad, Denver re-signed a bunch of their cut players including: RB Tyler Badie, WR Michael Bandy, FB Mike Burton, OL Nick Gargiulo, DL Matt Henningsen, WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey, DB Tanner McCalister, DL Jordan Miller, DB Quinton Newsome, OL Will Sherman, WR David Sills, DB Reese Taylor, OL Calvin Throckmorton, LB Dondrea Tillman, and TE Thomas Yassmin.
Tonight, Samaje Perine and the Chiefs kick off the NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday NightFootball. It’s a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game and Baltimore is sure to be looking for revenge.
Then, on Sunday, the Broncos kick off their season against the Seahawks in Seattle with a 2:05 p.m. MDT start.
